Grand Highlander vs. Kia Telluride: Which Suv Reigns?
Choosing the right SUV can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, the decision hinges on your specific needs and priorities. Two popular contenders in the three-row SUV segment, the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Kia Telluride, consistently top the lists for families and adventure seekers alike.
Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced technology, and a comfortable ride, making them strong competitors. But, which one truly shines when put head-to-head? This comparison dives deep into the details, helping you determine which SUV is the better fit for your lifestyle.
We’ll explore everything from performance and fuel efficiency to interior features and safety ratings, comparing the Grand Highlander and the Telluride across various key aspects. Get ready to discover which SUV emerges as the ultimate champion in this exciting showdown.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Grand Highlander | Kia Telluride |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Engine Options | 2.4L Turbo, Hybrid, Hybrid Max | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower (Max) | 362 hp (Hybrid Max) | 291 hp |
| Torque (Max) | 400 lb-ft (Hybrid Max) | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic / CVT (Hybrid) | 8-speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (City/Hwy – MPG, est.) | 21/28 (2.4L Turbo), 27/34 (Hybrid) | 19/26 |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row, cu. ft.) | 33.5 – 38.1 | 21 |
| Towing Capacity (Max, lbs) | 5,000 (Hybrid Max) | 5,000 |
| Infotainment Screen Size (in) | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| Standard Safety Features | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 | Kia Drive Wise |
| Available AWD | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty (Basic) | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Seating Capacity
- Grand Highlander: Offers seating for up to 8 passengers depending on the configuration, providing ample space for larger families or groups. The third-row legroom is improved compared to the standard Highlander. However, the 8-seat configuration might feel a bit cramped for adults in the third row.
- Kia Telluride: Also provides seating for up to 8 passengers in some trims, with a spacious and comfortable interior. The Telluride is known for its generous legroom in all three rows. The base model offers 8 seats, with higher trims offering a 7-seat configuration with captain’s chairs.
- Winner: Telluride
Cargo Space
- Grand Highlander: Boasts impressive cargo capacity, especially with the rear seats folded down. Offers significantly more cargo space behind the third row than the standard Highlander. However, the shape of the cargo area might not be as practical for some items.
- Kia Telluride: Provides a generous amount of cargo space, which is competitive in its class. Offers good space behind the third row and a flat load floor when the rear seats are folded. Some reviewers find the space slightly less than the Grand Highlander with seats down.
- Winner: Grand Highlander
Engine and Performance
- Grand Highlander: Offers a range of engine options, including a powerful turbocharged engine and a hybrid powertrain. Provides a smooth and refined driving experience. However, the base engine might feel underpowered for some drivers.
- Kia Telluride: Equipped with a powerful V6 engine that delivers strong acceleration and performance. Offers a comfortable ride and is well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising. Fuel economy is slightly less than the hybrid Grand Highlander.
- Winner: Grand Highlander
Infotainment System
- Grand Highlander: Features a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available premium audio systems. User-friendly interface and quick response times. Some find the touchscreen controls distracting while driving.
- Kia Telluride: Includes a user-friendly infotainment system with a responsive touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system offers intuitive controls. Some older model years had software glitches reported.
- Winner: Tie
Safety Features
- Grand Highlander: Comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Excellent safety ratings.
- Kia Telluride: Offers a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Also receives high safety ratings.
- Winner: Tie
Ride Quality and Handling
- Grand Highlander: Provides a comfortable and composed ride, with a focus on ride smoothness. Handles well for its size, but not as sporty as some competitors.
- Kia Telluride: Known for its comfortable ride and composed handling, making it a pleasant vehicle for both daily commutes and long trips. The steering is responsive and the body roll is well controlled.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Value
- Grand Highlander: Generally priced competitively within its segment, offering a good balance of features and value. Toyota’s reputation for reliability adds to its long-term value.
- Kia Telluride: Often praised for offering a lot of features and amenities for its price point. Provides strong value proposition. However, some trim levels can get expensive.
- Winner: Tie
Exterior Styling
- Grand Highlander: Features a modern and refined exterior design that is a bit more squared-off and spacious than the standard Highlander. The styling is distinct and appealing.
- Kia Telluride: Known for its bold and distinctive exterior design, with a boxy shape and a strong road presence. The design is widely considered attractive and stylish.
- Winner: Telluride
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | Grand Highlander (Hybrid) |
| Cargo Space (Behind 3rd Row) | Grand Highlander |
| Warranty | Kia Telluride |
| Styling | Kia Telluride (Subjective) |
| Driving Experience | Grand Highlander (Subjective) |
What They Have in Common
- Seating Capacity: Both SUVs offer three rows of seating, accommodating up to eight passengers depending on the configuration. This makes them ideal for families or groups needing ample passenger space.
- Standard Safety Features: Both the Grand Highlander and Telluride come equipped with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist, enhancing safety on the road.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: Both vehicles offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) as an option, providing improved traction and stability in various driving conditions, such as snow or off-road situations.
- Infotainment System: Both SUVs feature a large touchscreen infotainment system, providing access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. They also support smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Comfort Features: Both the Grand Highlander and Telluride offer comfortable interiors with features like heated and ventilated front seats, and available premium materials.
Grand Highlander Vs Kia Telluride Buying Guide
Grand Highlander: Space and Practicality
The Grand Highlander shines when it comes to interior space and practicality. Its third-row seating is genuinely usable for adults, unlike some competitors. This makes it ideal for large families or those who frequently transport groups of people. The cargo area also offers ample room, even with all seats in use. Toyota’s reputation for reliability further enhances the appeal, promising years of dependable service. The Grand Highlander prioritizes comfort and ease of use, making it a strong choice for everyday driving and road trips.
Kia Telluride: Value and Features
The Kia Telluride distinguishes itself with its impressive value proposition. It offers a wealth of features and technology at a competitive price point. The interior boasts a stylish design and high-quality materials, creating a premium feel. The Telluride’s long list of standard and available features, including advanced driver-assistance systems, adds to its appeal. This combination of features and value positions the Telluride as a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who still desire a well-equipped SUV. It is also known for its good looks.
Grand Highlander: Driving Experience
The Grand Highlander provides a smooth and composed driving experience. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The available hybrid powertrains offer excellent fuel economy, making it a practical choice for long commutes and family adventures. The Grand Highlander’s steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Its focus is on providing a relaxed and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers.
Kia Telluride: Performance and Handling
The Kia Telluride delivers a capable and confident driving experience. Its powerful engine provides ample acceleration for merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles. The Telluride handles well for its size, with responsive steering and controlled body roll. It also offers available all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. The Telluride strikes a good balance between performance, comfort, and handling, making it enjoyable to drive in a variety of situations. It can be a little sportier than the Highlander.
Grand Highlander: Ownership Costs
The Grand Highlander benefits from Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability, which often translates to lower long-term ownership costs. Toyota vehicles typically hold their value well, reducing depreciation expenses. The Grand Highlander’s fuel-efficient hybrid options can also contribute to lower fuel costs. While the initial purchase price might be slightly higher than some competitors, the overall cost of ownership, including maintenance and potential repairs, is often favorable. This makes it a smart investment for the long haul.
Kia Telluride: Long-Term Value
The Kia Telluride offers a competitive value proposition, and its long-term value depends on several factors. While its initial price is attractive, depreciation rates can vary. Kia’s strong warranty provides peace of mind, covering many potential issues for an extended period. Resale values can be affected by market trends and the vehicle’s popularity. Careful consideration of these factors, along with the Telluride’s features and capabilities, is necessary to assess its long-term value compared to the Grand Highlander.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Grand Highlander If…
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, especially with the available hybrid powertrains.
- You value a reputation for reliability and longevity.
- You desire a more spacious cargo area behind the third row.
- You prefer a more refined driving experience.
Buy Kia Telluride If…
- You prefer a more stylish exterior design.
- You want a longer basic warranty.
- You are looking for a slightly lower starting price.
- You prioritize a more feature-rich base trim level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary advantage of the Grand Highlander?
The Grand Highlander’s primary advantage lies in its spacious and comfortable interior, particularly the third-row seating. It offers significantly more legroom and headroom for adults compared to many competitors, making it a better choice for families needing to transport multiple passengers. The Grand Highlander also features a generous cargo area, even with all seats in use, making it incredibly practical for everyday use and road trips.
What sets the Kia Telluride apart from the Grand Highlander?
The Kia Telluride distinguishes itself through its combination of features and value. It offers a well-appointed interior, a long list of standard and available features, including advanced driver-assistance systems, and an attractive price point. The Telluride often provides more equipment for the money compared to the Grand Highlander, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank. It also has a stylish interior.
Which SUV offers better fuel economy?
The Grand Highlander offers better fuel economy, especially with its available hybrid powertrains. These hybrid options significantly improve fuel efficiency compared to the Telluride’s gasoline-only engine. The Grand Highlander’s hybrid technology allows for extended periods of electric-only driving, reducing fuel consumption in city driving and on highways. This makes it a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency.
Which SUV is better for off-road adventures?
Neither the Grand Highlander nor the Kia Telluride are primarily designed for serious off-road adventures. However, both offer available all-wheel-drive systems that enhance traction and stability on slippery surfaces. The Telluride might have a slight edge in terms of ground clearance and available off-road-oriented features, but neither is intended for extreme off-roading. They are better suited for light trails and handling inclement weather.
Which SUV has a more luxurious interior?
Both the Grand Highlander and the Kia Telluride offer well-appointed interiors. The Telluride often receives praise for its stylish design and high-quality materials, creating a premium feel. The Grand Highlander’s interior also emphasizes comfort and refinement, with a focus on ease of use. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference in terms of design and specific features, as both offer a luxurious experience.
Which SUV is more reliable?
The Grand Highlander benefits from Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability, which often translates to lower long-term ownership costs. Toyota vehicles are known for their durability and longevity. While Kia has made significant improvements in reliability, Toyota’s track record gives the Grand Highlander a slight edge in terms of predicted long-term dependability. This can be a significant factor for buyers prioritizing low maintenance and repair costs.
Which SUV is the better value?
The Kia Telluride generally offers a better value proposition, providing a wealth of features and technology at a competitive price. While the Grand Highlander offers excellent quality and reliability, the Telluride often includes more standard equipment and a more affordable starting price. However, the best value depends on individual needs and priorities. The Telluride offers a more feature-rich experience for the money.
Final Verdict
The Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride are both excellent choices in the three-row SUV segment, each with its own strengths. The Grand Highlander excels in space, practicality, and reliability, appealing to families who prioritize comfort and dependability. The Telluride offers a compelling combination of value, features, and a stylish design. While the Grand Highlander offers a more refined driving experience and better fuel economy with hybrid options, the Telluride’s long list of features and attractive price make it a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.
Winner: Kia Telluride